Reclosable picture frame device with transparent overlay and non-skid backing for displaying a plurality of photographs

ABSTRACT

A reclosable picture frame device for displaying and protecting a plurality of photographs in resistively secured and non-skid fashion. A frame includes a plurality of first, second, third and fourth elongate and interconnecting peripheral members, each of the peripheral members including, in cross section, a top surface, an outer edge surface, and an inner edge surface terminating in a foot portion. A planar and rigid backing possesses a selected thickness and dimension corresponding to that of the assembled and interconnecting peripheral members. The backing also includes a rearwardly facing surface and a forwardly facing and adhering surface. A plurality of angled corner braces interengage between the rigid backing and the peripheral members to maintain the integrity of the frame device. A flexible and planar shaped transparent overlay is arrayed over the adhering surface of the rigid backing and between the peripheral and interconnecting members. A spring biasing engagement is employed between selected peripheral members and in order to pivotally open and reclose each of the selected peripheral members. In this manner, the plurality of photographs are placed in a desired collage arrangement upon the adhering surface and upon pivotally opening the peripheral members and flexibly peeling away said transparent overlay. The overlay is then being replaceably fitted over the assembled collage and the interconnecting members are pivotally reclosed to secure the collage arrangement within the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to reclosable picture frame assemblies and, more particularly, to a picture frame device capable of being supported upon an easel or hung from a wall and which combines the features of one or more surrounding and spring actuable frame members with the addition of a transparent overlay and a non-skid backing for resistively securing a plurality of individual photographs or other suitable materials.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Reclosable picture frame devices are known in the art and which include one or more spring-loaded or biased front and back frame members. A first example of such a device is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,958,458, issued to Hillstrom et al., and which discloses an improved poster frame and display holder for replaceable posters and similar advertising material. The sides of the frame include sets of interconnected, and preferably pivotably engaged, extruded metal, molded plastic, or other front and back frame members. A spring member biases the front and back members together for releasably holding a poster or similar display. Interlocking portions of, or attachments to, the front or back members substantially prevent relative longitudinal movement therebetween, while still allowing relative pivotal movement.

[0005] The display frame and holder further includes a rigid backing member constructed of wood, pressboard, aluminum, plastic or other suitable material. A poster or other display member is positioned on the backing member and held in place around its edges by the frame sections. The disclosure of Hillstrom ′458 further teaches that the presence of the backing member is not necessary in all applications, in that the display holder and frame can also be mounted on a flat surface that forms its own backing member, or the poster can be made of a rigid or stiff material that does not require a backing member for support.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,523,400, issued to Seely, teaches a plastic poster frame and display holder for replaceable posters, pictures and other similar types of advertising or decorative material and which includes an extruded frame forming sections including hingedly connected front and back parts. A resilient and elongated plastic portion is integrally formed as part of the frame section and provides a biased clamping force for holding a poster of similar display between the hinged parts.

[0007] The construction of Seely differs materially from that previously disclosed in Hillstrom ′458 in that the biasing spring portion (identified at “60”) forms a part of the frame extrusion, and opposed to the provision of a conventional leaf spring element in Hillstrom. The nature of the extruded frame in Seely further avoids the necessity of fastenable corner braces (see at 20 in Hillstrom).

[0008] Additional examples are illustrated of gallery picture frame devices and these include U.S. Pat. No. 4,424,637, issued to Leahy, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,813,799, issued to Caravello. In Leahy, a mounting panel is included composed of an adhesive coating backing sheet overlaid with a release sheet removable in preselected areas. The adhesive coating is a pressure sensitive adhesive which secures the snapshots to the mounting panel and permits removal of the snapshots without damaging them. The picture frame may also include additional panels to provide individual borders around each photograph, and also includes a frame member for securing the panels in a locked position.

[0009] In the instance of Caravello, a picture frame for holding a plurality of pictures includes a back support frame, an intermediate picture receiving frame having a plurality of pockets for receiving pictures and having a plurality of openings in registry with the pockets for displaying pictures in the pockets. The front support frame has a further plurality of openings therethrough in registry with the openings in the intermediate frame for displaying the pictures in the pockets and four corner located and inwardly projecting alignment pins for engaging the back support frame and for holding the pictures in position and in sandwiched fashion therebetween.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0010] The present invention is a picture frame device capable of being supported upon an easel or hung from a wall and which combines, into one integrated device, the features of one or more surrounding and spring actuable frame members with the addition of a flexible and transparent overlay which, upon closing of the selected frame members, sandwiches a plurality of individually arrayed photographs against the additionally novel feature of a non-skid backing. The reclosable picture frame device may then be arrayed in an easily displayed fashion in which the individual photographs are resistively secured in place.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment, the frame device is substantially rectangular in shape with first, second, third and fourth elongate extending and interconnecting peripheral members. A planar and rigid backing with selected thickness and dimension corresponding to that of the assembled peripheral members includes a rearwardly facing surface and a forwardly facing adhering surface. Angled corner braces are engage at suitable locations along the perimeter edge of the rigid backing and in order to integrate the individual peripheral members in end-to-end connected and secured fashion to the backing. A flexible and planar shaped transparent overlay is provided and, in an engaged position, fits over the adhering surface of the rigid backing and in nestling and located fashion between the end-to-end connected peripheral members.

[0012] Any subplurality of the interconnected peripheral members and, in the preferred embodiment, an opposing, spaced apart and parallel extending pair of members, are spring biased between opened and reclosed positions in order to facilitate placing a plurality of photographs in a desired collage arrangement upon the adhering surface, and upon pivotally opening the opposing interconnecting members and flexibly peeling away the transparent overlay, the overlay is then replaceably fitted over the assembled collage and the subplurality of interconnecting members are then pivotally reclosed to secure the collage arrangement within the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

[0014]FIG. 1 is an employed view, in perspective, of the reclosable picture frame device displaying a collage of photographs and which is supported upon an easel according to the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, of a selected peripheral member, and illustrating the spring biasing arrangement for influencing the member in a closed position according to the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross sectional view, similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2, and in which the associated peripheral member is illustrated in a further spring biased and pivotally opened position;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a view in cross section substantially as shown in FIG. 3 and further illustrating the peel-away nature of the transparent overlay for revealing the adhering surface of the rigid backing;

[0018]FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the picture frame device, substantially as shown in FIG. 1, and further illustrating from exterior perspective the pivotal opening of the selected peripheral members; and

[0019]FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view, in partial cutaway, and illustrating the manner in which the angled corner braces contribute to the interengagement of the peripheral members to the rigid backing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1, a picture frame device is illustrated at 10 and for supporting, in both a protected and resistively arrayed fashion, a plurality of individual photographs, e.g., 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23, in a protectively displayed and resistively, non-skid arranged fashion. As will be further described, the reclosable picture frame device may then be arrayed in a displayed fashion, such as upon an easel 24, or alternatively in any other suitable arrangement such as supported on a wall surface, suspended from a hook and so on.

[0021] The picture frame device 10 includes a polygonal outer dimension defined by any number of sides. In the preferred embodiment, the frame is constructed in a substantially rectangular shape with first 26, second 28, third 30 and fourth 32 interconnected peripheral members. The peripheral members 26, 28, 30 and 32 in the preferred embodiment are constructed of an anodized aluminum poster type frame, however it is also understood that the frame members can be constructed of any other suitable material exhibiting the necessary properties of durability and resiliency. It is further understood that any suitable number of sides can be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0022] Referring further to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 in succession, a cross section is illustrated, in cutaway, of the selected first peripheral member 26, and according to a closed or engaged position (FIG. 2), a pivotally opened position 26′ (FIG. 3) and a further opened and revealed position 26″ (FIG. 4). Referring again to FIG. 2, a first cross sectional illustration of the peripheral member 26 reveals a substantially level top surface 34, a likewise substantially level outer edge surface 36, and a reverse angled and inner edge surface 38 terminating in a foot portion 40.

[0023] A planar and rigid backing 42 is provided having a selected thickness and dimension which corresponds to that of the elongated and interconnected peripheral members 26, 28, 30, and 32. In the preferred embodiment, the backing includes a rearwardly facing surface 44 and a forwardly facing and adhering surface 46. The adhering surface 46 is, in the preferred variant, impregnated with a foamable material with a soft texture and slip-resistant consistency and which, upon application, provides the adhering surface 46 with a suitable coefficient of friction. In a preferred variant, the adhering surface 46 is provided as a layered material with a peel-off backing paper applied to the rigid backing 42. In a further preferred variant, the adhering and non-skid surface is provided by a closed cell polyolefin foam coated on one side with a thermoplastic rubber.

[0024] Accordingly, and upon application of the plurality of photographs 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 et. seq., in a desired collage or arrangement, the adhering surface 46 will securely grip the opposing and abutting rear faces of the several photographs and will prevent the photos from slidably displacing downwardly upon positioning the device 10 in an upstanding manner, such as again upon an easel 24 or a vertically extending wall (not shown).

[0025] Referring further to the enlarged sectional view in cutaway of FIG. 6, a selected angled corner brace 48 is illustrated for interengaging one selected peripheral member (in this instance third member 30) with a further selected peripheral member (in this instance fourth member 32). As clearly illustrated in FIG. 6, the angled corner brace 48 includes a first extending leg 50 and a second interconnected and orthogonal extending leg 52.

[0026] Four identically configured corner braces are employed in the preferred embodiment and so that the corner brace illustrated at 48 between peripheral members 30 and 32 is identical to the portion of the corner brace identically identified at 48 and illustrated in the cross sectional cutaway views of FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 and such that identical reference numerals can be utilized to illustrate the identical elements illustrated in both FIGS. 2-4 and FIG. 6. Specifically, a screw 54 engages through a selected location of the angled corner brace 48 and a peripheral locating tab 56 extends upwardly from the rigid backing 42 (and preferably integrally formed with the backing) in a direction beyond its adhering surface 46.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment, a pair of screws are provided for each angled corner brace (typically one per each leg 50 and 52). As best illustrated in the cross sections of FIGS. 2-4, each extending leg of the angled braces (say orthogonally extending leg 50 of an identical brace 48) extends within a channel along the rigid backing. The channel is illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 in upwardly facing manner and is defined by an upper face 58 and opposing and spaced apart side faces 60 and 62. Upon tightening each of the screws 54 into their associated tabs 56, the respective legs 48 and 50 of the angled braces 48 are clamped into their respective channels and clamp together the opposing end locations of the peripheral members (such as again is illustrated by members 30 and 32 in FIG. 6) to define an integrated and four sided display.

[0028] As illustrated in each of FIGS. 2-6 a flexible and transparent overlay 64 replaceably fitted over the assembled collage of photographs and the rigid backing 42. The overlay 64 is, in the preferred embodiment, constructed of a clear polycarbonate material and, upon being assembled in the device, is abuttingly engaged against the opposing and adhering surface 46 of the rigid backing 42, by virtue of the downwardly depressing the foot portion of the selected peripheral member (such as again illustrated by foot portion 40 of first peripheral member 36 in FIGS. 2-4), and so that the arranged collage of photographs are sandwiched therebetween.

[0029] A spring biasing mechanism is employed in a selected subplurality of the peripheral members and in order to pivotally open and reclose each of the subplurality of interconnected peripheral members. It is contemplated that as few as two peripheral members may be spring biased and the preferred embodiment contemplates any pair of spaced apart, opposing, and parallel extending peripheral members (such as first member 26 and third member 30) can be configured to open and close and to permit the flexible and transparent overlay to be peeled away (such as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) and thereby reveal the collage pattern of photographs placed upon the adhering surface 46 of the rigid backing 42. It is also envisioned that either all of the peripheral members or some other subplurality may be spring biasingly actuated within the scope of the invention.

[0030] Referring again specifically to FIGS. 2-4, a cylindrical hinge 66 projects from an outer periphery of the planar and rigid backing 42. An elongated sleeve 68 is defined by a substantially semi-cylindrical interior 70 and extends inwardly from the outer edge surface 36 of the first peripheral member 26. The he semi-cylindrical interior 70 seatingly engages over the cylindrical hinge 66 so

[0031] An elongate and substantially flattened leaf spring 72 is provided and is illustrated in side cutaway in the closed view of FIG. 2 and also at 72′ in the pivotally opened views of FIGS. 3 and 4. The leaf spring 72 may be of any desired overall axial length (not evident from the side cutaway illustrations) and includes a first axially extending edge 74 which biasingly engages against an inwardly facing and configured surface 76 of the foot portion 40 of the first peripheral member 26. A second axially extending edge 78 of the leaf spring biasingly engaging against an abutment 80 of the rigid backing. The abutment 80 is preferably designed so as to include a generally arcuate channel 82 and within which is seated the second axially extending edge 78 of the spring 72.

[0032] Viewing FIGS. 2-4 collectively, the peripheral member 26 is again illustrated in closed position, in FIG. 2, and in pivotally actuated and opened position 26′, as in FIG. 3. Correspondingly, the cross sectional views of the leaf spring 72 illustrate a first position in FIG. 2 in which the spring biases the peripheral member in the closed (or reclosed) position and such that the foot portion 40 is pressing downwardly against the fitted transparent overlay. In the further actuated position of FIGS. 3 and 4, the spring is illustrated in a further bowed position 72′ and, as a result of the peripheral member being rotated to a preselected position 26′, creates a reverse and open direction biasing force. Consequently, and upon reclosing the associated peripheral member, the spring force is again reversed and the leaf spring reverts back to its original biasing condition 72 shown in FIG. 2.

[0033] Having described my invention, additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A reclosable picture frame device for displaying and protecting a plurality of photographs in resistively secured and non-skid fashion, said device comprising: a polygonal frame including a plurality of elongate and interconnecting peripheral members; a planar and rigid backing having a selected thickness and dimension corresponding to that of said interconnecting peripheral members, said backing including a rearwardly facing surface and forwardly facing and adhering surface; a plurality of angled corner braces interengaging between said rigid backing and said peripheral members; a flexible and planar shaped transparent overlay; and means for pivotally opening and reclosing each of a selected subplurality of said interconnecting members; the plurality of photographs being placed in a desired collage arrangement upon said adhering surface, and upon pivotally opening said subplurality of interconnecting members and flexibly peeling away said transparent overlay, said overlay being replaceably fitted over said assembled collage and said subplurality of interconnecting members pivotally reclosing to secure said collage arrangement within said device.
 2. The reclosable picture frame device according to claim 1, said frame further comprising a substantially rectangular shape with first, second, third and fourth interconnected peripheral members.
 3. The reclosable picture frame device according to claim 2, said selected subplurality of interconnecting members further comprising a pair of opposing and parallel extending peripheral members selected from said first, second, third and fourth members.
 4. The reclosable picture frame device according to claim 1, each of said peripheral members further comprising, in cross section, a top surface, an outer edge surface, and an inner edge surface terminating in a foot portion abutting against said overlay in an engaged position.
 5. The reclosable picture frame device according to claim 4, said means for pivotally opening and reclosing each of said subplurality of interconnected peripheral members further comprising: a cylindrical hinge projecting from said planar and rigid backing; an elongated sleeve with a substantially semi-cylindrical interior, said sleeve extending inwardly from said outer edge surface of said selected peripheral member, said semi-cylindrical interior seatingly engaging over said cylindrical hinge so that said peripheral member is pivotally secured thereto over a selected range of rotation; and an elongate and substantially flattened leaf spring, a first axially extending edge of said leaf spring biasingly engaging against an inwardly facing surface of said foot portion of said peripheral member, a second axially extending edge biasingly engaging against an abutment of said rigid backing, said abutment including a channel within which is seated said second axially extending edge; said spring biasing said peripheral member in said engaged position and, upon achieving a preselected degree of rotation of said peripheral member in a reverse direction, said spring biasing said peripheral member in a disengaged and opened position.
 6. The reclosable picture frame device according to claim 1, each of said angled corner braces further comprising a first extending leg and a second interconnected and orthogonal extending leg.
 7. The reclosable picture frame device according to claim 6, further comprising at least one screw engaging through each of said angled corner braces, a peripheral locating tab extending upwardly from said rigid backing and, in combination with said screw, providing additional locating support to said overlay.
 8. The reclosable picture frame device according to claim 1, said transparent overlay comprising a substantially rectangular shape and being constructed of a clear polycarbonate material.
 9. The reclosable picture frame device according to claim 1, said frame comprising a substantially rectangular shape with first, second, third and fourth interconnected peripheral members, each of said peripheral members further being constructed of an anodized aluminum poster type frame.
 10. The reclosable picture frame device according to claim 1, said planar and rigid backing further comprising a foam impregnated material which, upon application, provides said adhering surface with a suitable coefficient of friction.
 11. A reclosable picture frame device for displaying and protecting a plurality of photographs in resistively secured and non-skid fashion, said device comprising: a frame including a plurality of first, second, third and fourth elongate and interconnecting peripheral members, each of said peripheral members further comprising, in cross section, a top surface, an outer edge surface, and an inner edge surface terminating in a foot portion; a planar and rigid backing having a selected thickness and dimension corresponding to that of said interconnecting peripheral members, said backing including a rearwardly facing surface and forwardly facing and adhering surface; a plurality of angled corner braces interengaging between said rigid backing and said peripheral members; a flexible and planar shaped transparent overlay; and means for pivotally opening and reclosing, in a spring-biasing fashion, each of a selected subplurality of said interconnecting and peripheral members and so that said foot portion abuts against said overlay in said reclosed position; the plurality of photographs being placed in a desired collage arrangement upon said adhering surface, and upon pivotally opening said subplurality of interconnecting members and flexibly peeling away said transparent overlay, said overlay being replaceably fitted over said assembled collage and said subplurality of interconnecting members pivotally reclosing to secure said collage arrangement within said device. 